Saudi services imports increased 8.4 percent during the second quarter of 2026. Total imports reached SR120.8 billion during the period. Higher spending on travel, transport, and business services supported the increase. The latest figures show stronger demand across several service categories. They also highlight continued activity across Saudi Arabia’s wider economy.
Services imports rose from SR111.4 billion during the first quarter. Transport services recorded the largest share during the quarter. The category reached SR34.1 billion in total imports. Maritime transport represented about 40.8 percent of transport services. Air and land transport accounted for the remaining share. Meanwhile, travel services recorded another significant increase during the period.
Travel services imports jumped 17 percent from the previous quarter. They reached SR25 billion during the second quarter. Personal travel represented about 92 percent of travel service imports. The increase reflects stronger spending by Saudi residents traveling abroad. It also contributed significantly to the overall rise in service imports. Therefore, travel became an important driver of the quarterly increase.
Tourism activity inside Saudi Arabia has also expanded in recent years. The country recorded 123 million inbound and domestic tourists during 2025. That figure represented a 6 percent annual increase. Tourism spending also climbed 7 percent during the year. Spending reached a record SR304 billion in 2025. These trends support wider activity across travel and related services.
Other business services also formed an important part of Saudi services imports. The category reached SR18.8 billion during the second quarter. Professional and management consulting represented about half of that amount. Construction services also recorded substantial activity. The sector reached SR14.5 billion during the quarter. These figures reflect demand for expertise and services across expanding projects.
Government services imports reached SR7.3 billion during the period. Insurance and pension services followed with SR6 billion. Communications, computer, and information services reached SR4 billion. Other categories accounted for the remaining import value. These included financial services and manufacturing services. They also included intellectual property and maintenance services.
However, Saudi Arabia recorded a decline in services exports during the quarter. Services exports fell 16.5 percent from the previous quarter. They reached SR59.5 billion during the period. The decline mainly reflected weaker travel services exports. Travel exports fell 23.6 percent compared with the previous quarter.
Despite the decline, travel remained the largest services export category. Travel services exports reached SR33.8 billion. Personal travel accounted for about 93.9 percent of travel exports. Travel represented 56.8 percent of total services exports. Transport services ranked second with exports of SR10.5 billion. Air transport represented roughly 39 percent of transport service exports.
Communications, computer, and information services generated SR2.6 billion. Communications services represented about 50.9 percent of that category. Other business services exports reached SR2.3 billion. Professional and management consulting formed the largest portion. Construction and government services each generated SR1.8 billion. Financial services exports reached SR1.5 billion.
The latest figures show different trends across Saudi Arabia’s services trade. Imports increased as residents and businesses spent more abroad. At the same time, exports declined during the quarter. Travel played a major role in both sides of the services market. Transport and business services also remained important contributors.
The increase in Saudi services imports comes as economic activity continues expanding beyond oil. Tourism remains a major part of that broader development. Meanwhile, construction and consulting demand continues supporting service providers. Transport activity also benefits from growing commercial and tourism connections.
The second-quarter figures therefore provide a detailed view of Saudi Arabia’s service economy. Imports reached a new quarterly level of SR120.8 billion. Travel and transport accounted for major portions of the total. Business and construction services also added significant value. Meanwhile, services exports faced pressure from lower travel earnings.
Overall, the data shows continued demand across several service industries. Travel remains particularly important for Saudi households and businesses. Transport also maintains a central role in the economy. As investment and tourism activity continue, service demand could remain significant. The latest figures provide further insight into Saudi Arabia’s changing economic structure.
